But it turns out, Rider might need more help than Mallory does.
All right, kiddos.
Were going to start class off with a little exercise.
Credit: Courtesy Harlequin Teen
When it comes to public speaking, practice is key.
The more you do it, the easier it gets.
A tingling started in my fingers as I straightened.
When I was your age
A century ago, someone muttered.
Santos shot the kid a droll look.
Yikes, murmured a girl.
There was a good chance I was going to hurl, myself.
So it was something I had to work at.
That means were going to kick off with a quick introduction.
Oh, s, Rider muttered under his breath.
He of all people would know why this was impossible for me.
Laughter followed, but the blood was draining from my head so fast I felt dizzy.
I had weeks to prepare for this.
Talking in front of the class was not supposed to happen today or tomorrowornext week.
Rider called my name in a whisper.
My hands gripped the edge of the desk as my pulse did its own version of house music.
My throat was tightening up as my eyes swung in his direction.
Hector and Paiges faces were a blur.
A chair scratched across the floor and my gaze followed the sound.
A guy was standing, hitching up his pants.
As instructed, he faced the class.
My name is Leon Washington.
A big grin covered his face.
I dont like cheese.
And I like the chicks in the vids.
Chuckles and giggles rose while Santos shot him a look.
Leon plopped down, and up went a girl.
My breath was coming out in fast gasps.
There were seventeen chairs in front of me, two empty.
My wide gaze darted to Rider.
Understanding was etched into his expression, in the hard set of his jaw.
His gaze darted to the girl who was now standing.
She brushed shoulder-length brown hair back from her face as she turned to the class.
I… um, I like driving with loud music on.
And I dont like…
Her cheeks flushed pink.
And I dont like gossiping bs.
The class erupted into laughter.
Laura sat down with a satisfied smile on her face.
Mallory, Rider whispered, and my panicked stare drifted to him.
Over his shoulder, I was aware of Paige watching us.
you’re able to do this, he said in a hushed voice.
you’re free to.
I couldnt do this.
The plug at the top of my throat turned into a seal.
Oh God, there was no way I could get any words out.
Pressure clamped down on my chest, seeming to completely cut off my airway.
An all-too-familiar icy burn splashed across the base of my neck.
I couldnt do this.
